Title: Innovation policy and local cluster of entrepreneurs in South China

Authors: Wei Zhao; Rigas Arvanitis; Frank La Pira

Addresses: Ecole Supérieure de Commerce Saint-Etienne and Centre Franco–Chinois de Sociologie de l’Industrie et des Technologies (Guangzhou), 51–53, cours Fauriel BP 29, 42009 Saint-Etienne, France ' Institut de Recherche pour le Développement (IRD) and Centre Franco–Chinois de Sociologie de l’Industrie et des Technologies (Guangzhou), 32 av. Henri Varagnat, 93143 Bondy Cedex, France ' Ecole Supérieure de Commerce Saint-Etienne, 51–53, cours Fauriel BP 29, 42009 Saint-Etienne, France

Abstract: This paper presents an analysis of Chinas industrial development policy, through the example of Guangdong, a southern region of China. We recall the local economic dynamics in its historical and geographical context, and the emergence of firms (private or otherwise) in this region, the creation of industrial centres, the orientation of the national industrial and innovation policy, and its translation into policies that promote local industry clusters. We present the contradictions between the macro policy, and the establishment of private entrepreneurs and find that local officials interpret state policies to promote regional innovation and develop links between private entrepreneurs and the macro business environment.

Keywords: enterprise development; industrial policy; innovation policy; regional clusters; entrepreneurship; China; Guangdong; local industry clusters.

DOI: 10.1504/IJMED.2011.044633

International Journal of Management and Enterprise Development, 2011 Vol.11 No.2/3/4, pp.109 - 126

Published online: 30 Apr 2015 *

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